5 Best Law Firms in Tacoma, WA for Every Legal Need

Finding the right lawyer starts with choosing a firm that regularly handles the type of legal issue you are facing. If you have been in an accident, are going through a divorce or a real estate dispute, have financial issues that may require bankruptcy, or are facing criminal charges, a firm that specializes in the relevant area of law can help make the process easier.

There is a wide variety of legal firms in Tacoma, many of which specialize in particular areas of law rather than general legal services. This guide focuses on 5 top Tacoma law firms that have established their own strong reputations for practice, experience, and some of the specific factors that set them apart from others in the area so you can make better comparisons when choosing a firm.

1. The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers — Best for Personal Injury Claims

The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has made a reputation for itself in Tacoma for successfully representing individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of car accidents, truck accidents,s and other serious incidents. The firm was founded by Chong Hae Ye, who was born and raised in an immigrant community in Tacoma, a fact reflected in the way the firm treats each client. The team provides services in English, Korean,n and Spanish, helping clients who may not be able to find a lawyer that can communicate with them.

The firm has successfully negotiated for clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and uninsured drivers. They are also among the Top 100 attorneys in the country, as recognized by peers in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. One of the comments clients often have is that they feel valued as more than just a file. If you’re looking for a local Tacoma personal injury attorney with trial experience, give this firm a call.

Practice Areas:

• Truck Accident
• Premises Liability
• Slip and Fall
• Rideshare/Taxi Accident
• Bus Accident
• Catastrophic Injury
• Wrongful Death
• TBI
• Car Accident
• Motorcycle Accident
• Pedestrian Accident
• Bicycle Accident
• UM/UIM
• Dog Bites

The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers

705 S 9th St STE 103, Tacoma, WA 98405

(253) 946-0577

https://theyelawfirm.com/

2. McKinley Irvin — Best for Family Law and Divorce

For over 30 years, McKinley Irvin has represented families in Tacoma and is a highly respected family law firm in the region. The firm has enough experienced personnel to add depth to complex matters, and assists in divorce, child custody, child support, and all aspects of sensitive family matters. Clients often seek the advice of the attorneys at McKinley Irvin at some of the most difficult times of their lives, and the firm’s lawyers are adept at combining advocacy with compassion.

The Tacoma office is familiar with the local Pierce County family law procedural rules and is comfortable working closely with local courts. Since most of the firm’s work is in family law, its attorneys remain up to date on changes in Washington law that affect custody and property division. The firm is well known for translating legalese into the client’s vernacular. If you are in a divorce or custody case in Tacoma, it is certainly worth reaching out.

Practice Areas:

• Divorce
• Child Custody & Parenting Plans
• Child Support
• Property & Asset Division
• Legal Separation
• Adoption
• Family Law Mediation
• LGBTQ+ Family Law
• Unmarried Couples & Paternity
• High Net Worth Divorce
• Military Divorce
• International Family Law

McKinley Irvin

1201 Pacific Ave, Suite 2000, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 256-1265

https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/

3. McFerran Law, P.S. — Best for Real Estate Law

For over three and a half decades, McFerran Law has specialized exclusively in real estate law, earning it a reputation as a top choice in Tacoma. The firm, established by attorney Edward McFerran, specializes in purchase and sale transactions, boundary disputes, title problems, and landlord-tenant disputes. While other general practice firms see real estate as just one of their many specialties, McFerran Law attorneys are more in-depth in property law because it’s the only specialty they practice.

This depth is demonstrated in their handling of 1031 exchanges and in complex commercial transactions, both of which demand a special skill set that many firms lack. Clients love the way the firm handles property matters as if they were big commercial transactions. McFerran Law’s attention to detail is something few other firms can offer homeowners, landlords, or business owners facing a real estate problem in Tacoma.

Practice Areas:

• Real Estate Transactions
• Real Estate Litigation
• 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges
• Purchase & Sale Agreements
• Foreclosures
• Landlord–Tenant Law (Leases & Evictions)
• Easement & Boundary Disputes
• Quiet Title Actions
• Estate Planning
• Probate
• Business Formation

McFerran Law, P.S.

3906 S 74th St Ste 201, Tacoma, WA 98409

(253) 471-1200

https://www.mcferranlaw.com/

4. The Law Office of Timothy J. Wilson — Best for Bankruptcy Cases

The Law Office of Timothy J. Wilson is a Tacoma bankruptcy law firm that is founded on a simple concept: specializing in just one area of law and becoming an expert. Attorney Tim Wilson has been practicing in Washington for over two and a half decades and has only filed Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases for individuals. The office is located in downtown Tacoma, across from Courthouse Square, near the federal bankruptcy court where local cases are heard.

The client is not passed from one paralegal or associate to another; rather, they work directly with Wilson from the initial phone call to the final discharge. Many of our clients note that the process felt much smoother once they knew their options, whether it was stopping wage garnishment, stopping a foreclosure, or seeking medical debt relief. This firm can provide targeted, unbiased counsel to people in financial distress seeking to start over in Tacoma.

Practice Areas:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
• Bankruptcy Exemptions (Asset Protection)
• Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
• Bankruptcy Means Test
• Wage Garnishment Defense
• Foreclosure Prevention
• Tax Debt Resolution Through Bankruptcy
• Driver’s License Suspension Issues Related to Bankruptcy
• Consumer Bankruptcy

The Law Office of Timothy J. Wilson

1113 A Street, Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 874-5826

https://www.timwilsonlaw-bankruptcy.com/

5. Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart — Best for Criminal Defense

The initial few hours after arrest are critical to a defendant’s case in Tacoma,  and the Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart has a reputation for being on the scene right away. Attorney Stewart has 20 years of experience handling felony cases throughout Pierce County and the South Sound and is known for being calm in court and approachable to clients.

Consistently and repeatedly praised by both clients and peers, the firm is a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and has a perfect Avvo rating. A key element of this is availability – the attorneys are available 24 hours a day, as criminal cases frequently begin at night. One of the most common things clients comment on during meetings is how they feel protected rather than judged during that hectic period. This is the firm to have on your side if you are in Tacoma and facing an arrest and/or investigation.

Practice Areas:

• Criminal Defense
• Violent Crimes
• Domestic Violence
• Sex Crimes
• Drug Crimes
• DUI Defense
• White Collar Crimes
• Juvenile Defense

Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

1105 Tacoma Ave South, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 442-7544

https://www.michaelaustinstewart.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose the right law firm in Tacoma for my situation?  Find the firm’s specialty that fits your legal needs. A family law firm may not be the best choice of lawyers to resolve a real estate dispute, so seek lawyers who have worked in this area often.
2. Do these law firms offer free consultations?  Some Tacoma companies, such as those listed here, offer a free initial consultation. Always check in advance, as policies differ from company to company and case to case.
3. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Tacoma? Fees depend on the type of case and the fees charged. There are also some companies, particularly personal injury companies, that operate contingent on winning and are only billed should you succeed. Some charge an hourly fee, or a flat fee.
4. What should I bring to a first meeting with a lawyer? Take with you all the paperwork that relates to your case, including contracts, medical, police, and court records, and a timeline of events.
5. Can I switch lawyers if I am not happy with my representation?  Generally, clients can switch lawyers at any time. Where there is an agreement for a fee, check it out first, and let them know in writing if you’re changing.

Final Thoughts

Tacoma has numerous lawyers who specialize in numerous fields of law. The Ye Law Firm Injury Lawyers specialize in personal injury cases involving accidents; McKinley Irvin specializes in all family law cases; McFerran Law specializes in real estate law matters; the Law Office of Timothy J. Wilson is dedicated to consumer bankruptcy issues, and the Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart specializes in criminal defense cases.

When choosing a law firm, take into account their expertise in cases that are comparable to yours, their communication style with clients, and their specialization in the field of law. A consultation with one or more firms will help you better understand your legal options and which firm is best suited for your situation.